What do I do if I'm having difficulty in a class?

 

The first person a student or parent needs to contact is the classroom teacher.  The student, teacher and parent can then work together to create a plan for the student's academic success.

 

How do I contact the classroom teacher?

 

By calling 328-2000 you can reach the main office front desk to request an appointment or leave a message on the teacher's voice mail. Teachers can also be reached by e-mail. Find email address on the Wasson Home page.

 

What resources are available at WHS for additional academic support?

 

Wasson Saturday Academy.  Saturday academy is available most Saturday’s.  Students must have a ticket to enter.  Tickets are available all week in the main office.  For more information, please contact Chancy Lewis- 328-2012

Math tutoring is available before school, after school on Tuesday and Thursday, and at lunch everyday in room 222.

Teachers are available during lunch and after school to help students. Students are asked to let teachers know they would like to meet with them, and they can schedule an agreed upon time

 

How can a student or parent make an appointment with a counselor?

 

Parents and students can contact the Counseling Office at 328-2019 to make an appointment. 

 

Where can I get information about Sports?

 

Contact Mr. Felix, Athletic Director, at 328-2031.

 

Do my grades freshman year count?

 

YES!  All grades issued  at the end of each semester in high school, will appear on your transcript.  Grades issued on progress reports are not reflected on the transcript.

 

What is a prerequisite?

 

It is a requirement you must meet before you can take a specific class.  Sometimes it is a placement test, a specific class that must be completed with a specific grade, a teacher recommendation, or a class restricted to certain grade levels (only Juniors and Seniors, etc.).  Class prerequisites are listed in the Curriculum Guide.

 

How does a student get ready for college?

 

The best way to get ready for college is to take the most rigorous program available in high school. Assistance with college selection is available from a student’s counselor. Computer college searches, career searches, and financial aid information are available online.

 

How does a student make a schedule change?

 

Each spring students have the opportunity to select their classes for the following year. Students and counselors meet to discuss course selections.  These course selections are used to make the master schedule.  Once the schedule is built, students may not alter their selections.  The following is a list of acceptable reasons for schedule changes:

·   Failed a prerequisite course and cannot continue in that course;

·   Attended summer school and can advance in sequence;

·   Registered for the wrong level, i.e. should be in French III and is incorrectly scheduled in French I;

·  Previously failed the class with the same assigned teacher

During the first two weeks of school students who desire a schedule change for one of the above reasons may fill out a “Schedule Change Request” form and submit it to their counselor.  Students will not be permitted to reduce the rigor of their program. They are encouraged to meet with their counselors for assistance in finding additional supports where necessary.

 

How can parents monitor a student's progress?

 

Parents and students have electronic access to information about students' academic progress. Zangle,  is a Web-based classroom-to-home communication tool that allows parents/guardians and students to monitor students’ classroom performance and attendance online and to communicate with teachers. Grade book information such as individual assignment and assessment (class quizzes and tests) scores, and current course grades will be available for each class. For more information and login instructions on Zangle, contact Mrs. Rossoll at 328-2019. 

Teachers are available via e-mail. Teachers’ e-mail addresses are available on the Wasson web homepage.

Counselors are also available by phone or e-mail. Contact your child’s counselor to discuss your concerns. 

 

How can a student obtain a work permit?

 

Work permits may be obtained from the secretary in the counseling department

 

What are some things I can do as a parent to help my son or daughter to be successful?

One of the most important steps you can take is to arrange for an evening schedule which guarantees that a regular homework time will occur. At least 1-1.5 hours every night should be expected. Homework time should be uninterrupted by phone calls, TV, etc. Many students resist the idea of this uninterrupted time, but parents should emphasize that high school courses are challenging, and learning the material may require more concentration and rehearsal than their son or daughter is used to. Many students enter Wasson thinking that homework expectations consist only of completing written assignments. Students should allow plenty of time each night to review reading assignments and material that was covered in class.

Ask your son and daughter specific questions about school. Make school, a regular topic of discussion in your home. Be sure to attend parent-teacher conferences and the special freshman parent meetings that occur throughout the year.

Encourage your son or daughter to participate in the many clubs and activities that Wasson has to offer. Opportunities are announced every day, and a list of potential clubs is included in the Wasson High Handbook.

The most common mistake that freshman parents make is to step into the background too quickly. Ninth graders need parental involvement. They are often not self disciplined or mature enough to balance school, work and recreation on their own. Continue to closely monitor your child's school progress and gradually allow more responsibility as you see they are demonstrating success.

 

How do counselors help students at high school?

Counselors are trained listeners and problem solvers. They have observed many students negotiate the challenges of growing up and of high school. Counselors provide a safe and supportive place to bring up any concerns that students may be experiencing in either their personal or academic life. Students have legal rights to confidentiality on most matters and so can feel secure that information will remain in the counselor's office. Counselors  make connections to outside agencies or a professional who can assist students and their families. Counselors advise students about courses, post-high school planning and career development. Counselors consult with parents, teachers and administrators on issues of child development, program planning and mental health services.

 

 As a student, what can I do to be successful in high school?

Attend class every day. If you are ill, make sure to see the teacher to find out what you missed. Develop your own system to keep track of assignments and due dates. Have a study plan at home with the following guidelines.
a. Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed by phone calls, family activities, TV, or other distractions.
b. Plan on studying at least an hour and a half each night. Remember to not only do the written homework, but also complete reading assignments and review notes from lectures and labs every night.
c. Get to know your counselor and take an active role in planning your schedule.
d. Make careful decisions about your class selections by considering teacher recommendations, your own pattern of strengths and weaknesses, and your future goals.
e. Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating healthily, participating in an exercise program, and staying connected to friends, parents, and school staff.

 

 My student is having a conflict in class with another student or the teacher, or is questioning his/her grade in class. What should I do?

It is best to contact the classroom teacher directly first. If they don't resolve the problem, contact your student's counselor and a meeting can be arranged to explore the matter further.

 

How does a student get a copy of his/her transcript?

To get an official transcript, fill out a transcript request form from the registrar. Students  pay $3 per transcript.  If the transcript is to be mailed out of state, please provide the address. Transcripts may not be readily available. Allow 24 hours for the service to be completed.

Frequently Asked Questions